Assistant Professor, Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Winthrop University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in developmental psychology or a closely related area. The successful candidate will teach, supervise, and advise psychology students while maintaining a student-centered research program.

Specializations may include aging, adulthood, adolescence, childhood or development across the lifespan. We’re particularly interested in candidates whose teaching and scholarship will expand the department’s developmental psychology offerings and support students pursuing careers or graduate study in fields such as gerontology, healthcare, behavioral health, counseling, education, child life, and occupational therapy.

Position Responsibilities     

• Teach undergraduate courses across the discipline that include introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics for psychology majors.
• Teach additional undergraduate psychology courses including developmental psychology and other courses within the candidate’s area of expertise
• Establish a vibrant research program that involves undergraduates
• Support the program by engaging in curriculum design and student advising
• Engage in professional stewardship across the campus to improve the overall Winthrop community

About the College     

To learn more about the College of Arts & Sciences please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/.

About Winthrop University  

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits          

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check   

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability: 08/16/2027

Required Qualifications       

• Doctorate in psychology. ABD candidates will be considered and appointed at the rank of instructor until the doctorate is completed
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness within higher education
• Evidence of scholarly activity and potential for research
• Ability to engage and support students from a range of backgrounds and experiences
• Strong skills in innovative teaching technologies. Familiarity with such programs as Excel, Qualtrics, and online teaching platforms is advantageous
• Evidence of potential for successful collaboration with colleagues and students

Preferred Qualifications       

Area of specialization in aging or gerontology

Employment Conditions      

This is full-time, tenure-track appointment requiring daily on-campus contact; instructional duties during the academic year (9 months, Aug. 16 – May 15) come with the option to teach during the summers for additional compensation.

Application Instructions       

Interested candidates should submit the following materials for consideration before midnight on November 9, 2026:

• Letter of interest, with evidence of major responsibilities and required qualifications
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and commitment to student learning
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three (3) professional references from whom letters of recommendation have been requested.
• All graduate transcripts (demonstrating at least 18hrs in the discipline) and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review; official transcripts are required prior to final appointment)

Three letters of recommendation will be requested from semifinalists at a later date. (The CV must include the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all references.)

For more information, please contact Donna Nelson at nelsond@winthrop.edu.